Duties and Responsibilities:
The occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of the occupational therapist to enhance student participation in the educational environment by providing occupational therapy services, including direct intervention and consultation, on the basis of student need. The occupational therapy assistant reports to the supervising occupational therapist and assistant clinical director.
Major Function: Service Delivery
· Provides a continuum of direct and indirect services to students in alignment with their IEPs
· Implements creative, appropriate lessons/materials to ensure progress towards IEP goals
· Provides social, emotional and behavioral supports to meet student needs
· Adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment to facilitate access to instruction
· Monitors and maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition
· Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices to ensure proper functioning; provides alternative strategies when needed
· Educates and trains school staff and families on strategies to support students’ functional skills in the school environment. This may include training on the use of adaptive devices and equipment.
· Consults with multidisciplinary team members and participates in IEP and other meetings to convey and obtain information regarding student progress
Major Function: Supervision
· Actively participates in ongoing clinical supervision with occupational therapist
· Contributes to screenings and re-evaluations under the direction of the occupational therapist
· Communicates student progress to occupational therapist and suggests recommendations
· Collaborates with occupational therapist to create measurable goals and develop intervention plans
· Supervises Level I OT students and Level I & II OTA students
· Develops and maintains positive partnerships with local occupational therapy organizations
Major Function: Compliance
· Monitors and documents students’ progress, including maintaining timely, accurate records of therapy sessions, progress reports, and communication logs
· Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to special education and therapy services.
· Maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards in all professional activities
Desired Qualifications:
· Associates degree obtained from an accredited program
· License to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant in PA
· Current Act 34, Act 114 and Act 151 clearances
· Two (2) years’ experience working with students with disabilities, preferably in a school setting
· Ability to communicate with all stakeholders in a courteous and professional manner
· Ability to write and complete routine clinical documentation efficiently and coherently
· Ability to present in a professional appearance and manner
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
· While performing the essential duties of this job, the individual is regularly required to use hands to finger, talk and hear. The individual frequently is required to stand and walk.
· Works at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time.
· Works in a traditional climate controlled office environment.
· Works in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and diverse employee population.
· Be able to occasionally lift up to ten (10) pounds.